Vacation Crime Prevention Tips

Before Leaving…Secure Your Residence

Vacation is a time for fun and enjoyment . You can make each trip more enjoyable and carefree if you take a few simple steps to reduce the possibility that your house will be burglarized or vandalized while you are gone. A vacant house, or one that appears to be unoccupied, is an appealing target for a burglar.

Make sure all locks on the doors and windows function properly and use them.

Give your house a lived-in appearance. Put automatic timers on several lights, a radio, and a television. Set the timers so that the lights and appliances will turn on and off at random times.

Leave shades and blinds in a position that you would normally leave them.

Arrange for a neighbor to pick up mail, newspapers, and any other packages. Ask your neighbor to use your driveway and garbage cans while you are away.

Make sure smoke and burglar alarms function properly and are armed.

Turn the ringer on your telephone down low or off and do not leave your lights on 24 hours a day.

Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch over your property while you are gone and leave emergency contact information with them.

Contact the Columbia Police Department at (573) 442-6131 or (573) 874-7652 and request a vacation “watch in passing”. Officers will be made aware that you are not home and will drive by the area more frequently.

While on the Road

Keep a record of your traveler’s
check numbers and your credit card
numbers in a safe place.

Be aware of your surroundings and
never advertise your plans to
strangers.

Carry a flashlight with fresh
batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher,
and a first aid kit.

Do not stop to offer help to a
stranded motorist. Go to the nearest
phone booth and call for assistance.

If your car breaks down, raise the
hood and attach a white cloth to the
antenna. If someone stops to help, it
is advisable that you stay in your
locked car and ask them to call the
police or a garage. If you must
abandon your car, keep all
passengers together.

Car Security

Always lock your car when entering
or leaving it.

Always lock valuables out of sight,
preferably in the trunk. Always
carry wallets, checkbooks and purses
with you.

Do not advertise that you are a
tourist. Place maps and travel
brochures in the glove compartment.

Park in well-lighted, busy areas.

Check the back seat before getting
into your car.

Motel & Hotel Security

Determine the most direct route to
and from your room, to the fire
escapes, elevators, and nearest
phone.

When occupying or leaving your
room, use all auxiliary locking
devices on doors and windows.
(You may want to purchase a
portable door lock for traveling.)

Unpack and place belongings in the
closet and dresser. Arrange your
things so you’ll know if anything is
missing.

Never leave money, checks, credit
cards or car keys in the room. Take
them with you.

Place extra cash, expensive jewelry
or other valuables in the hotel/motel
safe.

Report any lost or stolen items to the
hotel/motel management and to the
police.

Report to the management any
suspicious movements in the
corridors or rooms.

Keep This Important List of Numbers With You on Your Vacation

Vehicle make/model ______________________________________________

Vehicle I.D. # ____________________________________________________

Auto Tag # ______________________________________________________

Driver’s License # ________________________________________________

Credit Cards

Company _______________________________________________________

Number to call if lost/stolen _________________________________________